Title

Author

Date of Award

2010

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

Abstract

The current study extended the tenets of objectification theory to a population considered to be at risk for poor body image--professional dancers. Furthermore, differences in self-objectification and its sequelae due to participation in classical versus contemporary dance companies, styles with differential exposure to objectifying cues, were explored. Forty professional dancers and thirty-nine non-dancers completed measures of objectification and its sequelae. Differences in levels of self-objectification did not fit the predicted pattern, with dancers evidencing lower levels than non-dancers; however body shame levels were elevated among dancers. The proposed model of objectification fit both groups, with body shame mediating the relationship between body surveillance and eating disordered behaviors. Style of one's current company was found to be related to self-objectification and body shame, mediated through exposure to objectifying cues, with classical dancers at greater risk of self-objectification. Results were discussed in terms of potential modifications to dance training.

Recommended Citation

Doyle, David Matthew, "The Mirror Is Not You: Objectification and Eating Disordered Behaviors in Classical and Contemporary Dancers" (2010). Master's Theses. 532.
https://ecommons.luc.edu/luc_theses/532